Destination Archives - Page 34 of 44

July 27, 2013 by jfalbelda

Great Family Trips in Europe

Heading abroad with the family is a great way to celebrate a landmark event – whether it’s a birthday, engagement or any other joyous occasion. There are a number of destinations within a few hours of the UK that are perfectly set up for family retreats, so you won’t have to travel far to find the right spot for your break.

When it comes to taking a holiday as a group it’s important to choose a location that offers something for everyone, and the best way to to do that is to rent a villa in an area that provides access to several towns and cities as well as lots of countryside. A stay in a French holiday chateau, for example, is something which all family members are sure to love, and you can find more information about this type of accommodation here.

In this brief guide we’ll take you through some of the best locations for family trips in Europe.

Tuscany

Known for its rolling hills and iconic cities – many of which are synonymous with Renaissance art – Tuscany is one of Italy’s most iconic regions. The landscape attracts thousands of walking and cycling enthusiasts every year, and with so many picturesque picnic spots dotted around the area it’s a great place to come if you want to spent a bit of quality time with the family.

landscape of Tuscany

What makes Tuscany particularly suitable for celebrations is its array of fine wines, with 30 local vintages carrying a Denominazione di origine Controllata (the Italian equivalent of the French AOC) classification. Reds such as chianti and brunello are produced here, with the award-winning vineyards of Montalcino and Montepulciano always worth a visit.

When it comes to culture, there’s probably no classier place in Europe than Tuscany, with the regional capital Florence being the spiritual home of Renaissance art. This can be experienced by visiting the world-famous Galleria degli Uffizi, while the city’s cathedral – the Duomo – features some of the most iconic frescoes on the planet.

Elsewhere in Italy, Pisa is full of iconic landmarks such as the Leaning Tower, while those visiting Siena in the summertime can witness the breathtaking Il Palio horse race, which takes place on June 2nd and August 16th in the Piazza del Campo.

Normandy

One of the foremost reasons to host a celebration in Normandy is the food, with the region being home to a huge number of Michelin-starred restaurants serving the finest local cuisine. This is dominated by seafood, with oysters and mussels adding a taste of luxury to Norman life, while the area is also the birthplace of some of France’s most popular cheeses, including camembert.

Finding something to do as a family while on holiday can sometimes be tricky, but Normandy is so full of charming towns and landmarks that there’s no danger of anyone getting bored. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint-Mont-Michel, for example, is one of the most enchanting sites you’re ever likely to see, with this ancient sanctuary sitting in the middle of the stunning bay of the same name. Exploring medieval towns such as Caen and Honfleur, meanwhile, is another great way to spend a day.

Provence

The region of Provence – which includes the stylish Cote d’Azur and cities such as Cannes and Monaco – is widely regarded as one of the most glamorous locations in the world, so it’s a great place to come for a celebration. Aside from boasting a huge number of pristine beaches, many of which bear the prestigious Blue Flag, it’s also home to an array of top-class vineyards.

Many of these are based around the town of Ramatuelle, which is close to Saint-Tropez, with Grenache, Merlot and Syrah among the varieties that are produced here. Anyone visiting this particular region of Provence can also take a trip to the famous Tahiti Beach, which was immortalised by Brigitte Bardot in the 1956 film And God Created Women, and is now home to a number of exclusive beach clubs.

July 24, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top Three Reasons to Stay On British Soil for Your Next Holiday

The Beauty of the UK

When thinking about your next travel destination, it is easy to get carried away. There are lots of amazing places to visit in the world. When considering dream holidays Goa, Brazil or the Maldives might spring to mind, but what about the little slices of paradise found right here in the UK?

You might not think that staying here for your holiday is very glamorous, but the UK is an incredibly beautiful place and has some world-class destinations. Here are our top three reasons for staying in the UK this summer.

No travelling

A holiday in Brazil might sound like a good idea, but if somewhere takes two days to get to, it’ll seriously eat into your holiday time. When you do arrive, you’ll need the best part of a few days to get over your jet lag.

As we’re a small island, it will rarely take you more than a few hours to get anywhere in the UK – especially with the availability of domestic flights, which can connect Londoners to the northern territories of Scotland in an hour.

Speaking the language

We don’t mean this in just the sense of being able to understand what people are saying – although that really helps. What we mean is, in a wider sense, you know what is going on. You know what things cost, you know how much to tip and you know how to get served in a bar or restaurant. So often these are the cause of anxiety in other countries, but here in Blightly, you’ll always be on the right page.

From the wild and rugged mountains of Wales, to the quintessentially English countryside of Sussex and the stunning Lake District, we have some of the best views in the world. The pyramids of Giza are impressive, the Taj Mahal an architectural masterpiece but it’s important not to overlook the understated beauty of England.

What’s more, by deciding to explore home soil this year you may find that you’re able to save money for your next trip, and that means opening up more destinations such as Goa and the Caribbean. All areas of the world are beautiful and worth exploring but perhaps it’s time we started looking a little closer to home for our thrills before taking our interests overseas.

July 22, 2013 by jfalbelda

Honeymoons in Mauritius: Top Tips for Luxury from the Get-Go

Tying the knot is one of the biggest days that anyone will ever experience and also one of the most expensive. While the day itself tends to focus on the bride, groom and their guests, the honeymoon should be all about them and, with a little added luxury, it can be made extra special. From the moment the happy couple first walk into the airport, they can feel like royalty with some little added touches, ensuring that their exotic honeymoon will be something to remember forever.

When choosing a honeymoon destination, choose somewhere that will be memorable, romantic and exotic for something truly remarkable. From the moment you book your flights to Mauritius, you can opt to travel in absolute luxury. Upgrade from economy class to fly in true style, with extra legroom and outstanding service, with the added bonus of a lounge in the airport to relax in before your long-haul flight.

Start planning the honeymoon early in order to take advantage of the best deals on flights and accommodation. The last thing you want to be faced with is a problem with the availability of your desired dates – avoid the stress when it’s not necessary by booking in advance. Rather than rushing around after the main events to catch a flight within a few hours, consider waiting a day or two and choose a flight that suits you. Long haul flights can be difficult to handle at the best of times, never mind when you’re still winding down after the hectic Big Day.

Planning a wedding can be stressful so make sure that your holiday to Mauritius focuses on tranquillity, romance and down time. While excursions should be considered, spend the majority of your time walking hand in hand on the white sands and relaxing in your luxury accommodation supping cocktails and sharing special moments together.

Book specific honeymoon packages and you can benefit from sheer luxury within your chosen resort to. Don’t let the exuberance end as you step off the flight – carry it through the entire vacation by booking a honeymoon deal. While these vary from hotel to hotel, you will likely benefit from champagne, romantic dinners, surprise gifts, souvenir photographs and couples’ massages, among many other loved-up treats. Don’t forget about the sensual spas and amazing hotel pools!

With over 200 miles of coastline to explore, palm trees that sway and coral reefs that are begging to be explored; Mauritius is a perfect choice for an unforgettable honeymoon. Luxury accommodation is rife too, so wherever you choose to stay, you can be sure of high standards of service and exclusivity.

From the get-go, newlyweds can enjoy luxurious touches that will make them feel special and will undoubtedly add to the romance and magic of the trip. From your flights to Mauritius to the day trips and beach walks, savor every moment and make your honeymoon in Mauritius an exquisite one.

July 18, 2013 by jfalbelda

Off the Beaten Island Hop in Greece!

Greece is one of the most majestic places on earth. Upon closer inspection however this ancient state is composed of small collections of very diverse locales. From the massive gorges and pristine beaches of Crete to the bustling metropolis of Athens; Greece is a country where the possibilities for exploration are countless.

If you’re considering a late summer or early autumn holiday there are plenty of cheap flights to Greece. Getting there is easy but deciding where to head once you’ve landed on Greek soil is another matter entirely.

Everyone knows the marvels on offer in Athens. The ancient ruins of the Acropolis sit boldly above the modern city and visitors can experience remarkable history by day and indulge in fine dining by night.

If you’ve got your heart set on a white sand beach, or a white-washed village, the Cyclades are probably for you. The island of Milos is a particularly charming destination within this island group.

Volcanic Milos has a lunar landscape boasting not only white but red, gold and grey sand beaches as well. Whitewashed fishing villages abound and there are few more enchanting experiences than wandering through these winding streets en route to a delicious Greek meal.

The island of Tilos offers visitors a more ecologically minded holiday experience. The island itself is a protected environment and is home to abundant populations of birds and other wildlife. Eco-tourism offers connect visitors with nature on Tilos. The experience of walking through a deep valley filled with wildflowers and meandering through groves of pine, oak and almond trees is a truly unforgettable experience.

The island group known as Sporades lies in the northern Aegean and features a very special part of Greece. The island of Alonnisos is a far cry from the dry hillsides and blue and white identity of the Cyclades. Alonnisos features green fertile slopes, charming stone roofed cottages and towering pine forests. It is a beautiful landscape not typically associated with Greece but well worth a visit. Read More »

July 17, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top Casinos to visit when travelling in Asia

Today, many travelers seek out casino gaming when visiting various locations. Some parts of the world offer top casinos that provide some of the best gambling. This is true for the continent of Asia which provides some of the best casinos found anywhere in the world. While some places are better known for their casino than others (think Macau), some places are not. However, this doesn’t mean the casinos aren’t top of the line but rather well kept secrets that need to be revealed to the world.

One such location that many people do not realize has a top casino is Kuala Lumpur. The reason for this is that overall, casino gaming is not found in Malaysia due to legal restrictions. However, the Genting Highlands is the only casino that has been legalized in the country. While it may be one, a lot of punch is packed into this casino. Developed by a well known name in casinos, Resorts World, the casino is located on a hilltop. To reach the casino, visitors must either travel by car or cable car. Not only is outstanding casino gambling found here but other points of interest. For instance, the Genting Highland is also the home to the largest theme park found anywhere in Malaysia.

South Korea also offers casino gaming. Only one casino within the country permits locals to participate. Therefore, if you wish to mingle with the people of South Korea, this casino is your best choice. The Kangwon Casino is found just outside the city limits of Seoul. Part of a hotel, the casino offers a nice selection of 960 slot machines as well as 100 gaming tables. Table games include blackjack, craps, roulette, thirty big wheels and baccarat, many of which you can Play here. Big wheel games are somewhat similar to roulette; however, they have many slots on them which make the odds of winning rather low.